July is the coolest month of the year in Byron, with daily temperatures ranging from a low of 11.7 C to a high of 19.4 C. But, don’t let the cold put you off – the markets and seasonal food are fantastic, and the water-based tour operators supply wetsuits, it’s whale watching season and time for one of Australia’s most popular music festivals.

Plus, the first half of the month includes school holidays, and there are a variety of school holiday activities.

Here are some highlights for July, if you’re planning to stay a while, browse our Byron Bay accommodation guide and take advantage of the great winter rates on offer.

NAIDOC Week – 3-10 July

National NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A local highlight is The Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest and iQ Inc presenting their annual evening of inspiring aboriginal storytelling focused NAIDOC Week 2022’s theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ The 15th Arakwal NAIDOC Week Film Screening at the Byron Theatre on 5 July. Full details, program and tickets via www.iq.org.au/category/events/.

The Byron Beachside Market – 9 July

The Byron Beachside Market takes place four times a year in early January, Easter, July and late September. The Beachside Market is a ‘make it, bake it, sew it and grow it’ market held on Main Beach Byron Bay’s foreshore east of the Surf Club. This is the perfect location to experience some of the most original products alongside one of Australia’s most famous beaches.

Splendour in the Grass – 22-24 July

Considered to be Australia’s biggest winter music festival, Splendour has evolved from a boutique one day festival held at Belongil Fields on the outskirts of Byron to a three day extravaganza of big name bands a new Australian music now held at North Byron Parklands, a dedicated site 15 minutes north of Byron. Details, lineup, schedule and tickets at www.splendourinthegrass.com.

Northern Rivers Food presents the Harvest Food Trail – 30-31 July

Part of enjoying the food is knowing the story… Jump in your car and enjoy the whole paddock to plate experience. Choose from a food and beverage discovery trail of over 35 leading food producers, farms, restaurants, distilleries, breweries and food outlets across the region. Visit www.northernriversfood.org/harvest-food-trail/ for full details.

Whale Watching – July

If you are in Byron this July, you will likely spot some of the whales as they make their way along the east coast of Australia during their annual migration.

The expansive panoramic views offered at the Cape Byron Lighthouse and Cape Byron Conservation Area provide an excellent opportunity to spot whales.

If you want to get out on the water, try a Premier Whale Watching Cruise with Out Of The Blue Adventures – rated the number one tour to experience in the area on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews